The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate the registration, coordination and operations of vigilante groups, associations and other organisations involved in security-related activities across the state.
Makinde said the order became necessary to strengthen security coordination, prevent abuse by unregulated groups and avert ethnic confrontation, especially amid rising insecurity in parts of the country.
The governor signed the executive order during a press briefing held at his Kolapo Ishola private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Top security officials and senior government functionaries were present at the briefing.
Speaking during the briefing, Makinde cautioned residents against ethnic profiling and the targeting of innocent people under the guise of fighting crime.
The governor said his administration would not tolerate any action capable of creating ethnic tension or turning law-abiding residents into targets because of their background.
“For emphasis, we must avoid at all costs anything that can lead to ethnic tension where people who do not know how issues come about, or because they are from a certain ethnic group, become a target,” Makinde warned.
He said while the state government remained determined to rid Oyo State of criminals, residents must report criminal activities to the appropriate authorities instead of taking actions that could threaten peace.
“Yes, we do not want criminals in Oyo State, so if you see any criminal activities, anyone perpetrating such activities, please report to us. We will act,” the governor said.
Makinde added that the state would not allow individuals or groups to hide under the cover of security work to promote division or ethnic confrontation.
“We do not want people forming groups, associations, in the name of security, and then on that basis they start ethnic profiling and ethnic confrontation,” he said.
“If you have any legal reasons to set up or engage in a security type of work, let us know. The government is here to give the necessary support.”
Governor Links Order To Security Challenges
Makinde said the regulation formed part of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
He noted that the government had a duty to ensure that all security-related activities were properly coordinated and carried out within the law.
According to him, the executive order is aimed at ensuring that groups claiming to support community security do not become a threat to the same communities they claim to protect.
The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture and maintain peace among residents.
Makinde also addressed the recent abduction of students and teachers of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele High School in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
He assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the victims.
The governor thanked residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security agencies as efforts continued to rescue the abducted teachers and students.
“Let me also use this opportunity to once again talk about the painful incidents involving the abduction of students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.
“We understand the anxiety and emotional burden that this has placed on families, communities, and the people of Oyo State,” Makinde said.
He added that the government was working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the victims were brought back safely.
We Are Battling Security Challenges – Aikomo
Speaking earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said the executive order was designed to ensure accountability and proper monitoring of groups offering security services in the state.
Aikomo said the security challenges facing Nigeria had made it necessary for the government to regulate community-based security operations to avoid unintended consequences.
“The importance of security in any community or society cannot be overemphasised, and the current situation in Nigeria with respect to security is known to everybody,” he said.
“So, we are currently battling challenges relating to security in Nigeria. Under the 1999 Constitution, the welfare of the people and security are the primary purposes of governance.”
The attorney general noted that while citizens had a role to play in supporting government efforts to secure their communities, such support must be given within a lawful and properly coordinated framework.
“Citizens of the state are also under obligation to see to the security of society because society is connected and interwoven. The government provides leadership for the people, and the people are also stakeholders,” he stated.
Aikomo said the government had observed an increase in the number of groups springing up under the guise of providing local security and self-defence services.
He warned that, if left unregulated, some of the groups could worsen the security situation instead of helping to address it.
“In the name of security and trying to self-defence and help ourselves and help the state, we have witnessed an upsurge of groups coming up with objectives of regulating security across the state,” Aikomo said.
“Sometimes, when there is a problem in society, and there is no regulated system or programme of action, it may create more problems than we are trying to solve.”
Existing Groups Given 72 Hours
The commissioner disclosed that under the new order, all groups involved in security-related activities with more than five members must formally notify the Office of the Governor through the Special Adviser on Security.
He said such groups would be documented and issued certificates for recognition and monitoring.
“No matter where you are across the length and breadth of Oyo State, if you want to assist the government to handle security challenges and you have a group of more than five people, you are under a duty to notify the Office of the Governor.
“Those who are already existing and offering such services have 72 hours to notify the Office of the Governor, and they also will be documented and issued a certificate,” he said.
Aikomo explained that the order would help the government identify those operating under the guise of security work across the state.
According to him, the state government must know those wearing uniforms, carrying weapons or performing security-related functions in any part of Oyo State.
“So that going forward, across the length and breadth of Oyo State, we know if anybody is wearing any uniform or carrying any form of weapon in defence of ourselves, the state knows about it.
“We do not want to open our flanks to others who may seize the moment to start committing crimes,” he added.
Aikomo warned that failure to comply with the executive order would attract legal consequences.
“Failure to comply with this executive order is a violation of the law. It has implications in the law, and violators will be prosecuted accordingly,” the commissioner said.
He added that the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been directed to enforce compliance with the order.
The commissioner assured residents that the government was working round the clock with security agencies and stakeholders to address the current security situation.
“I want to assure everyone that we are working around the clock with our security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to do everything possible to ensure that the victims are brought home safely and alive,” he said.